Updating Video drivers

Theodoric · 12-12-2006, 19:46

Because of a software problem I'm considering updating the drivers for my nVidia GeForce2 MX card. According to the nVidia site, after I have downloaded the latest drivers (as an exe file) I must uninstall the current nVidia Display Drivers by way of Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel before installing the new drivers. What worries me is what happens if anything goes wrong and stops the installation of the new drivers. As I would no longer have the old drivers will I see anything on the screen or will I be saved by some generic Windows driver cutting in.

The reason I'm worried is that a long time ago (we're talking Windows 3.1 here) I had problems changing the video drivers and ended up with a totally black screen. I can't remember how I solved it, but what I do remember is that trying to sort something out when you can't see what is happening is not the easiest thing in the world!

So, I really would appreciate some warm words of comfort before I bite the bullet.

Stuart · 12-12-2006, 19:48

Windows should revert to the standard generic VGA drivers

Druchii · 12-12-2006, 19:48

Windows generic ones do cut in

budwieser · 12-12-2006, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theodoric

Because of a software problem I'm considering updating the drivers for my nVidia GeForce2 MX card. According to the nVidia site, after I have downloaded the latest drivers (as an exe file) I must uninstall the current nVidia Display Drivers by way of Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel before installing the new drivers. What worries me is what happens if anything goes wrong and stops the installation of the new drivers. As I would no longer have the old drivers will I see anything on the screen or will I be saved by some generic Windows driver cutting in.

The reason I'm worried is that a long time ago (we're talking Windows 3.1 here) I had problems changing the video drivers and ended up with a totally black screen. I can't remember how I solved it, but what I do remember is that trying to sort something out when you can't see what is happening is not the easiest thing in the world!

So, I really would appreciate some warm words of comfort before I bite the bullet.

You`ll be ok Bud, Trust me, You won`t be without a viewable screen!.

Theodoric · 12-12-2006, 19:51

Thanks. I'm glad to hear that. And if all goes pear shaped, would the rollback feature in Device Manager work for drivers that you had uninstalled via Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel

Aragorn · 12-12-2006, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theodoric

Thanks. I'm glad to hear that. And if all goes pear shaped, would the rollback feature in Device Manager work for drivers that you had uninstalled via Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel

Don't think you can roll-back, but you could make a restore point before uninstalling.

MadGamer · 12-12-2006, 20:03

Use Driver Cleaner to completly get rid of the remenants of the drivers after un installing via add/remove programs, and before installing the new drivers.

Driver Cleaner Download

Theodoric · 12-12-2006, 20:06

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

bopdude · 12-12-2006, 23:16

A good place IMVHO for ATI and Nvidia drivers is here Omega Drivers, I've used them on my desktops and am currently using one in my laptop